A good production year 2020 at Fortum’s Loviisa nuclear power plant

Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Fortum’s Loviisa nuclear power plant’s production year in 2020 went as planned. The power plant generated a total of 7,8 terawatt hours (net) of carbon-free power, accounting for more than 10% of Finland’s total electricity production. Thanks to the Loviisa nuclear power plant’s electricity production, Finland emits about 6 million tonnes less carbon dioxide emissions annually compared to the equivalent amount of fossil fuel-based electricity.  

On an international scale, the 87.7% load factor of the Loviisa nuclear power plant was among the best in the world for pressurised water reactors. Loviisa unit 1’s load factor was 83.8% and Loviisa unit 2’s was 91.7%. In 2020, Loviisa unit 2 went through a short annual outage lasting 24 days, and unit 1 the extensive annual outage lasting 54 days.  

“The Loviisa nuclear power plant has produced emissions-free electricity reliably every day of the year. Coronavirus-related contingencies and measures were implemented through work procedures, space arrangements and working hours so that the work tasks could be performed safely and with a high level of quality. Thanks to comprehensive contingency measures and the personnel’s strong commitment, also the annual outages were implemented safely in the planned scope and with no coronavirus cases,” says Timo Eurasto, Manager, Operations Unit, Loviisa Power Plant.  

“Long-term, methodical work to lower radiation levels for radiation workers has produced results at both plant units, and the radiation levels have decreased by 50 per cent in five years. This is a good indication of our personnel’s competence and commitment to the continuous improvement of safety,” Eurasto continues. 

The Loviisa nuclear power plant is a major employer in the region, providing work for approximately 530 Fortum employees and nearly 100 permanent employees of other companies working in the plant area every day. Additionally, about 800 external employees participated in the annual outages and investment projects. The power plant also employed some 80 summer trainees in 2020. Fortum’s investments in the Loviisa power plant were approximately EUR 50 million (2019: approximately EUR 60 million).  

Fortum Corporation 
Communications 

Further information:  
Timo Eurasto, Manager, Operations Unit, Loviisa Power Plant, tel. +358 10 455 4010 

www.fortum.com/loviisa 

Loviisa Power Plant  

In 2020, the load factor at Fortum’s fully-owned Loviisa nuclear power plant was 87.7%. The continuous development and modernisations of the power plant enable the load factors that are among the best globally for pressurised water reactors. Fortum has invested a total of about EUR 400 million in the Loviisa power plant over the past five years. In 2020, the plant generated a total of 7.8 terawatt hours (net), which is more than 10% of Finland’s total electricity production. Of Fortum’s approximately 700 nuclear power professionals, some 530 of them work at the Loviisa power plant. Additionally, nearly 100 permanent employees of other companies work in the plant area every day.

Fortum
Fortum is a European energy company with activities in more than 40 countries. We provide our customers with electricity, gas, heating and cooling as well as smart solutions to improve resource efficiency. We want to engage our customers and society to join the change for a cleaner world. Together with our subsidiary Uniper, we are the third largest producer of CO2-free electricity in Europe. With approximately 19,000 professionals and a combined balance sheet of approximately EUR 69 billion, we have the scale, competence and resources to grow and to drive the energy transition forward. Fortum's share is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki and Uniper's share on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. www.fortum.com